Management of Calyceal Calculi | Carolina Urology Partners

From
the Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center (GMP), and the Division of
Urology, Department of Surgery (TDC, GMP), Duke University Medical
Center, Durham, North Carolina

The treatment of renal calculi has undergone dramatic changes compared
with all other aspects of urologic surgery. Improvements in fiberoptic
technology and video systems combined with the advent of shock wave
lithotripsy (SWL) virtually have eliminated the need for open stone
surgery. Standard open nephrolithotomy or pyelolithotomy has been
replaced by the advancing technologies of the minimally invasive era.
Since the introduction of SWL into clinical practice, this technique
rapidly has become the treatment of choice for most renal calculi. In
some circumstances, however, percutaneous procedures, ureteroscopy, or
even open surgery are the preferred treatment options. The following
article describes the current treatment options for calyceal calculi and
discusses management of those calyceal stones that remain
controversial.